Retiring police officer William Perry could not make last Wednesday’s selectmen meeting, which was a standing-room only affair and a celebration of sorts.

So, the celebration came to Perry, who was at a Pawtucket Red Sox game on Wednesday night. Selectman Patrick Menges called McCoy Stadium, which announced Perry’s retirement on the big screen.

This was just one of many poignant moments for the Police Department, which also honored retiring officer James Lavigne, as well as promoting officer Shawn Cronin and hiring Christopher Magan.

Lavigne and Perry have each spent nearly three decades with the department. They were informed that they would be honored at the selectmen meeting but Perry already had PawSox tickets.

Police Chief Robert MacDonald sent a text message to Perry informing hims to keep his eyes glued to the big screen between the fifth and seventh innings. Despite the warning, Perry was still pleasantly shocked, according to selectmen.

Selectmen Chairman Dean Cronin said his son, Shawn Cronin, was promoted on Wednesday after he passed the sergeant’s exam.

“He came out (with the) top grade and was promoted,” Dean Cronin said, speaking as a proud father and selectman.

Dean Cronin said Magan left the Dighton police and became a Somerset officer. Magan returned to fill Shawn Cronin’s slot.

The selectmen meeting room on Wednesday was at capacity, filled with police officers, fire personnel, Town Hall employees, family and friends.

Menges’ father, the late Wilbur Swift Menges, was a former police chief. Menges said his father would have been moved by the unity and camaraderie displayed last week.

“There is something transcendent about the department that is priceless,” Menges said.

Menges also praised the department’s hiring and promotion process, which he said is fair and based on merit.